Wanderers rejoice
Old foes beaten in Under-18 decider
incredible breakaway try scored by Wexford captain Seán Kelly-Komolafe.
The centre broke through the Tullow line and then showed huge strength to shake off two tackles to run clear and touch the ball down under the posts. The conversion was missed.
Wexford continued with intense pressure from the re-start, with the pack providing the platform to attack.
The second try developed from a huge effort by the pack, with Ben Popplewell crossing the line under the posts to secure it. Daniel Bent added the conversion (12-0).
Tullow were awarded a penalty just inside the Wexford ‘ 22, and decided to kick for points and get on the scoreboard (12-3).
Wexford returned into the Tullow ‘22 and scored what seemed like a certain try, with Jakub Tarnawski driving across the line, only for the ball to be knocked away at the last moment.
Tullow survived what could have been a game-changing score.
Tullow reacted to the close call and doubled down on their effort. The result was a well-worked try and the conversion was added, leaving Wexford 12-10 ahead at half-time.
The second-half started as fiercely as the first, with neither side giving any quarter to the other.
Wexford were the first to step up, with hooker Louis Richard holding off a tackler to make a driving run into the corner and touch down just inside the line.
Daniel Bent took on the conversion at a very tight angle and sailed it between the posts - an outstanding kick (19-10).
Tullow caught a break in play when they intercepted a pass, running on to score beneath the posts. The conversion was added to bring the game within two points.
The tension in the final quarter was immense, with the two teams not holding back.
Wexford forced themselves deep into the Tullow o22 and after several phases found themselves encamped under the posts.
Tullow put in a brave effort defending, but eventually the pressure told and Louis Richard again crossed over. Daniel Bent added the conversion to give Wexford breathing space (26-17).
Wexford received a yellow card in the final minutes, seeing one of their forwards being sidelined. With the numerical advantage, the Tullow lads threw everything they had left at Wexford in the last five minutes, with the Wexford ‘22 resembling a battlefield.
Tullow pushed forward and were within inches of the line, but one final huge defensive effort resulted in a game-clinching turnover.
This was an heroic effort from the young Wexfordmen, a game of impressive free-flowing, attacking rugby with a dogged controlled defence.
Wexford Wanderers now move on to represent Leinster in the All-Ireland semi-final against the representatives of Ulster, Armagh City, in two weeks.
Wanderers: Cillian Corkery, Hugh Maguire, Daniel Bent, Seán Kelly-Komalofe (capt.), Connor Doyle, Donal Buckley, Rúairí Fenlon, Ben Popplewell, Louis Richard, James Davitt, Paul Deeny, Jakub Tarnawski, Connor Kelly, Eoin Foley, Elliot Ogbemudia, Leonard Burke, Louis Gainfort, Michael Harney, Stuart Hession, Maurice Logue, Darragh Byrne, Seán Roche, Cian Connolly, Ewan Carroll, Ewan MacLaughlin, Conor Kehoe.